Surfing Koh Chang Thailand
Updated for 2026
Koh Chang is not one of Thailand’s main surf destinations, but it can get waves during the rainy season when the south-west monsoon sends enough wind swell into the Gulf of Thailand. If you are already on the island at the right time, it is worth keeping an eye on the west coast beaches.
Koh Chang Surfing Conditions
| Surf Season | Usually May to September, with the rainy season running roughly May to October. |
|---|---|
| Swell | Mostly wind swell from the south-west monsoon. |
| Waves | Small beach-break waves when conditions line up. |
| Best Areas | White Sand Beach and Lonely Beach are the main beaches to check. |
| Other | Very inconsistent, but fun if you are there at the right time. |
Koh Chang Surf Overview
Koh Chang is an island east of Bangkok, in the Gulf of Thailand. Not much is known of the surf here compared with Phuket or Khao Lak, but there are a few local surfers that live here. This photo was sent in by Laurent from Bangkok. Looks like it has plenty of potential for surfing Koh Chang.
Ko Chang usually works with the south-west monsoon from May to September, as it sits up in the Gulf of Thailand and needs southerly or south-westerly swell to reach it. It is not consistent, but when the weather pattern is right, there can be fun waves.
Local Note
Koh Chang surf is very much a “check it if you are there” type of thing. Do not book a whole surf trip around it unless you are happy to sit around, eat seafood, drink a few cold ones and wait for the Gulf to wake up. Not the worst punishment, really.
White Sand Beach
One place to surf there is Sai Kaew Beach, better known as White Sand Beach, on the west coast of the island. White Sand Beach is one of Koh Chang’s most developed and popular beach areas, so it is easy to stay nearby, eat, and check the beach regularly when the weather is on.
When the south-west monsoon is pushing enough swell into the Gulf, White Sand Beach can get small surfable beach-break waves. It is usually more of a fun wave than a serious surf spot.
Lonely Beach
The next beach towards the south, Hat Tha Nam, better known as Lonely Beach, also gets waves when conditions are right. Lonely Beach is still known as a laid-back backpacker area with simple accommodation, nightlife and a rougher shoreline than some of the more family-style beaches.
Lonely Beach can be worth checking during the rainy season if there is swell running, but again, this is not a place where you should expect surf every day.
Other Islands Nearby
There are a couple of other good waves on the surrounding islands, such as Koh Kut and Koh Mak. These are quieter islands and the surf is even less documented, so finding waves there is more about timing, exploring and talking to people who know the area.
If you are travelling around Trat province in the rainy season and you have a board with you, it is worth keeping your eyes open. Just do not expect the same amount of surf information, surf shops or rescue support you might find in Phuket.
Safety and Conditions
Koh Chang’s west coast can get rough during the rainy season, and the island roads are also more difficult in wet weather. If you find waves, check the currents, rocks, storm runoff and your exit point before paddling out. If nobody else is surfing, there may be a reason.
Staying on Koh Chang
Koh Chang is a nice island to stay at if you want to relax, explore the beaches and maybe get a few fun waves if you are there at the right time. White Sand Beach is the most convenient area, while Lonely Beach suits backpackers and travellers who want a more relaxed, rough-around-the-edges feel.
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